2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition: Here's everything that changes

Lighter weight, more horsepower for Ford's full-size pickup and SUV

June 16, 2017

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Both the 2018 FordExpedition and F-150 have just been revealed, and they're full of welcome improvements.

For starters, the 2018 Expedition gets the aluminum treatment similar to the F-150, with the entire body being made from the lighter-weight material. That new construction sheds 300 pounds over last year’s Expedition, and on top of that it receives a massaged 3.5-liter turbo V6. XL, XLT and Limited models receive a 10-hp bump to 375 hp, but the Platinum gets a significant boost all the way up to 400 hp.

Ford is also dropping its 10-speed auto into the Expedition to replace the aging six-speed. The extra power and weight savings also give the Expedition better towing capability, bringing the capacity up to 9,300 pounds. Along with the extra towing ability, Ford’s trailer backup assist from the F-150 is making its first appearance on the Expedition. We took it for a small test run, and the software works wonders once you get acclimated to it. Side note: The boat we were towing was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 out of the original Raptor.

Ford beefed up interior amenities on the Expedition as well, offering more power outlets than anyone could possibly use (11 separate ports). Even third-row passengers get two USB ports and 12V outlets. Access to the third row is easier thanks to sliding seats that also flip up after sliding forward. In the trunk, there’s a new flip-out floor tray that turns into a table. One small feature that isn’t quite as noticeable is a loading lip that’s specifically shaped to prevent items from falling out of the back after opening the tailgate. It looks like it could keep things from tumbling out, but will loading be more difficult now?

Fuel economy numbers aren't yet confirmed, but Ford expects a modest bump from the current statistics (15 city, 20 highway). Pricing is also still a secret, but a Ford rep told us we can expect an uptick there, as well.

In addition to just the normal Expedition, Ford showed off a new FX-4 Off-Road package for the Expedition SUV. Highlights include a new electronic limited-slip rear differential, off-road tuned shocks, all-terrain tires and -- count’em -- seven different skid plates. Gray 18-inch wheels are a refreshing break from the typical 21-inch monsters we normally see on these cars, and the requisite FX-4 badging doesn’t look too gaudy, but the 400-hp version of the turbo V6 won't be offered with this package. Ford said to expect the new Expedition to go on sale this fall.

The F-150 updates for 2018 are limited to powertrain changes -- namely, more powerful engines. Coming in as the base engine is an all new 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 making 290 hp -- eight more than the old 3.5-liter NA motor. Step up a notch and the 2.7-liter turbo V6 now makes 400 lb-ft of torque (an increase of 25 lb-ft) and the same 325 hp as before. Finally, the traditional 5.0-liter V8 gets a small bump up to 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque -- increases of 10 hp and 13 lb-ft respectively. The 3.5-liter turbo carries over unchanged from last year.

Zac Palmer
- Editorial Intern Zac Palmer has probably spent more time in a car than any other 21-year old in the country. He likes anything that can go around a corner, and is surely talking about a car wherever he might be.
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